Spiritual Calendar, March 2012

2^nd March, 2012: The Holi of Sri Radharani at Barsana

Lathmaar Holi of Barsana

Men from Nandgaon, the land of Krishna, arrive to play Holi with the women of Barsana and hope to raise their flag over Shri Kishori ji's temple. But, instead of colours they are greeted with sticks by the gopis. Thus Holi in Barsana is called Lathmaar Holi. The men are smart enough and come fully padded, knowing fully well that they will not be allowed to retaliate on this particular day. In this mock battle they try their best not to be captured. However,those who are unlucky are forcefully led away and get a thrashing from the women. Further, they are made to don a female attire and dance in public.

Lord Krishna Dancing Before the Gopis

Renowned poets like Surdas, Nand-Das, Kumbhan-Das and others have beautifully described how Lord Krishna was forced to wear a sari and make-up, and dance before being set free by the gopis.

3^rd March, 2012: Nandlala & Balrama Holi in Nandgaon

Holi in Nandgaon

The next day, it is the turn of men of Barsana. They retaliate by invading Nandgaon and drenching the women in colours of kesudo, naturally occurring orange-red dye, and palash. Whereas the women of Nadagaon beat the invaders from Barsana, in joyous abandon. Nandgram is the village of dark-hued Krishna's foster father, Shri Nandrai ji. Highly revered by Vaishnavas, the place invokes their devotional service. Bhaktimati Usha Bahenji says, “ Delightedly, Sri Krishna-Balram along with their sakhas daily go to graze cows, the wealth of their tiny village. Their mother splendidly decks the two brothers, packing chhak or their midday meal.”

4th March, 2012: Sri Bihariji Holi at Vrindavan

Shri Bihari ji Dressed in Pure White on Holi

Holi celebrations start from the evening of Aanwla Ekadashi (Falgun Shukla Ekadashi) and continue till Holika Dahan (Falgun Shukla Poornima). During this time span, a silver hut is erected in the jagmohan and Thakurji is resplendent there. He is much closer to devotees and easily accessible during this period. Bihari ji is adorned in a spotless white dress which is multi-hued by the end of devotees darshan.

Priests Sprinkle Coloured Water on Devotees

Colour is extracted by boiling the flowers of tesu in water. This naturally coloured warm water which has a pleasant fragrance, is sprinkled on devotees by the priests. A number of other scents like sandal paste, itra (sandal wood oil based natural perfumes), and rosewater are also distributed. Dry coloured natural powders in silver, gold, red, green, yellow and purple are used in abundance so that the temple interiors are colourful.

Songs Composed by Swami Haridas are Sung

Goswamis and groups of devotees sing songs composed by saints. While devotees of yesteryears, describe the varying moods and joyous scenes of Holi (such as the one composed by Swami Shri Haridas) in the temple courtyard as well as in city streets. They are well equipped with musical instruments like dhap, khartal, mridang, manjeera and chimta. Steeped in the spirit of holi, bhaktas throw coloured water and powder on each other, as they sing, dance and cry out – holi hai!

Bobo ji's Yugal Sarkar or Sri Radha-Krishna

Usha Bahenji's Yugal Sarkar are coloured with gulal on their pedestal, from Basant Panchami to Holi.

5^th March,2012: Somwari Prodosh Fast for Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva

Pradosh means dusk and this fast is kept for propitiating Lord Shiva. With his blessings one's desires are fulfilled and one attains spiritual enlightenment. Generally people observe the Pradosha Vrata on every trayodashi tithi (13th lunar day falling in Krishna and Shukla Pakshas) in the evening. Please offer plain water and bel patra to Lord Shiva. The bel patra or leaf of the wood-apple tree represents the three eyes of lord Shiva and the three gunas.

7^th March, 2012: Holi Poornima fast or Holika-Dahan

Bhakta Prahlad is Unhurt in Holika Dahan

Bonfires are lit on the eve of Dhulendi, on Holika Dahan. After this observance prayers are said and praise is offered. The bonfires are lit in memory of the miraculous escape of young Prahlad when demoness Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu, carried him into the fire. Holika was burnt but Prahlad, a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu, escaped unhurt.

8^th March, 2012: Dhulendi

Dhulendi, When Holi is Played All Over the Country

The day when holi is played all over the country. Holi celebrations peak in Vrindavan as well as in the temple of Bihariji. As per tradition, Bihariji does not play Holi on this day but merely watches the devotees playing Holi.

8th March, 2012: The appearance day of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Sri Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

(1486-1533) the celebrated Vaishnava saint and mystic, and chief exponent of the Gaudiya Vasihnavism movement in eastern India. Theologians of his school claim that Chaitanya was fair-complexioned because he was Radha's incarnation, yet internally he was Krishna. Since Lord Gauranga appeared nearly 600 years ago on Phalgun Poornima, our own Saint Ushaji used to bow to Him in Vrindavan on every Holi.

He specifically worshipped the forms of Radha and Krishna and popularised the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha mantra. ISKCON established by Prabhupad ji is popularizing the famous Naam-sankirtan of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Hare Ram Hare Ram, Ram Ram Hare Hare

Hare Krishan Hare Krishan, Krishan Krishan Hare Hare

8^th March, 2012: Appearance Day of Sri Hari Baba, a saint of the early twentieth century.

Shri Hari Baba

The main attraction which drew everone to Shri Maharaj was the bhakti bhava of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and the propagation of sankirtan. Impressed by his strict discipline of self-denial and conscientious observance of sankalp, Bhaktimati Usha Bahenjii had once raved, "He was a such a great devotee that the earth was blessed, the era was honoured and followers were enlightened by his calibre. Several festivals of Vrindavan were graced by his presence."

8^th March, 2012: Appearance Day of Shri Anand Das ji Baba of Vrindavan

Shri Anand Das Baba

Highly revered Shri Anand Das ji Baba, a great devotee of Lord Hanuman, was a close associate of Manohar Baba. His dedicate devotion is renowned the world over.

18th March,2012 : Papmochini Ekadashi

Lord Vishnu

Ekadashi is the Goddess that arose from Lord Vishnu to fight and defeat the demon Mura. When she defeated the demon, Lord Vishnu was pleased. The fast of Papamochani Ekadashi expiates the sins of devotees. Literally paap means sin and mochani stands for the remover.

Papamochani Ekadasi is observed on the day of Chaitra Krishna Paksha Ekadashi in the North Indian Calendar.This is the last of the Ekadashi vrats of the Hindu Year. The legend of Paapmochni Ekadasi is mentioned in the Bhavishya Uttara Purana as a conversation between Lord Krishna and Yudhishtira. Charity and fasting are important aspects of the vrata.

19th March, 2012: Somwari Prodaosh fast for Lord Shiva

Chaitra Amavasya

22^nd March, 2012: Chaitra Amavasya is the No Moon day in the month of Chaitra. On the following day, the Vaishakh Month begins. Many devotees throng to Sri Banke Bihariji temple particularly as the New Year and Navratras are about to start. Chaitra Amavasya is auspicious for Pinda daan and Pitru Tarpan. After bathing donate crops, cow, gold and clothes, and feed the Brahmans. By doing so one gets the blessings of one's ancestors.

23^rd March, 2012: The Chaitra Navratris

Goddess Durga

The Navratris begin and the new Panchang is read before Sri Banke Bihari ji in Vrindavan.The Sri Krishna Samvat 5238 and Samvat 2069 start.

As per astrological predictions there are two major solar influences each year. One is the Dakshinayana period when the Sun crosses the Equator moving towards the southern hemisphere, heralding the start of winter. The second is the Uttarayana period when the Sun crosses the Equator moving towards the northern hemisphere, indicating the onset of summer. These two periods are cited as the sacred time for worshipping the Mother Goddess and celebrating Navratras. Ram Navratri is celebrated in the Chaitra Month, and the Durga Navratri in the first nine days of the light half of the Ashvin Month.

25^th March, 2012: Matsya Jayanti

Matsya Avatara

The appearance day of the Matsya Avatara of Lord Vishnu is observed on the third day of the waxing phase of the moon of Chaitra (March – April). Preserving all life forms in a boat during the deluge, the incarnation establishes the concept of Manus for each Great Yuga coupled with the task of recovering the lost Vedas.

There is only one temple in India dedicated to Lord Matsya – Nagalapuram Veda Narayana Swamy Temple near Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Matsya and the idol has the head and torso of Lord Vishnu and golden human-like feet.

26^th March, 2012: Sri Ganesh Chaturthi Vrata

Lord Ganesha

Known as Ganesh Damnak Chaturthi. The fast is observed to please Lord Ganesha. Ganesha is called the Vighanharta and a puja begins with worship of Lord Ganesha.

A tale recounts how the Gods decided to choose their leader between the brothers, Kartikeya and Ganesh. Whoever took three rounds of the earth first, would be acclaimed with the position. Kartikeya seated on a peacock, his vehicle, soon enough set out for the mission. Ganesh was given a mooshak or rat, which moved swiftly. He made obeisance to his parents and circumambulating them three times, completed the test before Kartikeya. He reasoned, "My parents pervade the entire universe and going around them, is more valuable than going round the earth." All present were amazed at Ganesha's logic and he was renowned as Ganadhipati or leader, now famed as Ganapati.

31^st March, 2012: Sri Durgashtami

Maa Durga

On the 8th day of this colourful festival, yagna or religious sacrifice and homa or holy fire is performed. Pure ghee, kheer and sesame seeds are offered to Goddess Durga. Many people in north India celebrated the 8th day as ashtami when nine young girls symbolizing Navdurge are fed with halwa, puri and kale chane.

In Hindu mythology Durga is Shakti, the divine feminine energy. According to a legend, Lord Brahma granted a boon to Mahishasur, the buffalo demon. Armed with infinite power, the asura created havoc in the universe, and started terrorizing the deities. One fine day he ventured to Swargaloka to kill Indra. Greatly distressed, Indra and other deities begged Lord Shiva for help. Lord Shiva along with Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma, released their energies or shaktis which flashed forth and fused together, bringing to life a magnificent Goddess resplendent with many arms.

Acclaimed as Durga, she was ravishingly beautiful and deadly. The armed Durga rode a Lion and fought a fiercely bloody battle with Mahishasur, raging for nine days and nights. Finally on the tenth day, Durga trampled him under her foot and Mahishasur was killed. The Goddess’s triumph because of her innate divinity symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

63rd & 64th Dohas of Uttar Kand

Chaupai:

gayau garuRa jaha° basai bhusumdå, mati akumtha hari bhagati akhamdå |

dekhi saila prasanna mana bhayau, måyå moha soca saba gayau ||1||

kari taRåga majjana jalapånå, bata tara gayau hrdaya° harasånå |

brddha brddha bihamga taha° åe, sunai råma ke carita suhåe ||2||

kathå arambha karai soi cåhå, tehi samaya gayau khaganåhå |

åvata dekhi sakala khagaråjå, haraseu båyasa sahita samåjå ||3||

ati ådara khagapati kara kinhå, svågata puchi suåsana dinhå |

kari pujå sameta anurågå, madhura bacana taba boleu kågå ||4||

Kakbhusundi Dwells in Nilagiri, the Blue Mountain

Garuda went there where Kakbhusundi who had unrestricted intellect and complete devotion to Lord Hari, dwelt. His heart was delighted on sighting the mountain and and he got rid of every possible Maya (delusion), infatuation and anxiety (by its very sight.) After bathing in the pond and drinking its water, he joyously went under the banyan tree. Old birds of all kinds had flocked there to listen to Lord Råma's notable deeds. Bhusundi was on the verge of commencing the narrative, when Garuda, the king of birds, arrived. All the birds including Kakbhusundi were thrilled to see Garuda coming. Bhusundi received pakshiraja Garuda with utmost reverence and enquiring about his well being, gave him a lovely seat to sit on. After lovingly worshipping him, the crow spoke gentle words.

Doha:

nåtha krtåratha bhayau° mai tava darasana khagaråja |

åyasu dehu so karau° aba prabhu åyahu kehi kåja ||63(A)||

sadå krtåratha rupa tumha kaha mrdu bacana khagesa |

jehi kai astuti sådara nija mukha kinhi mahesa ||63(B)||

Pakshiraja Garuda

O Lord! I have been blessed by your sight, O Pakshiraja ! Now I will do whatever you ask me to. With what objective have you come, O Master?

Garuda, the king of the birds, spoke tenderly: You have always been a form worthy of adoration, whose praises have been respectfully sung by Lord Shiva with His own mouth.

Chaupai:

sunahu tåta jehi kårana åyau°, so saba bhayau darasa tava påyau° |

dekhi parama påvana tava åsrama, gayau moha samsaya nånå bhrama ||1||

aba sriråma kathå ati påvani, sadå sukhada dukha pumja nasåvani |

sådara tåta sunåvahu mohi, båra båra binavau°prabhu tohi ||2||

sunata garuRa kai girå binitå, sarala suprema sukhada supunitå |

bhayau tåsu mana parama uchåhå, låga kahai raghupati guna gåhå ||3||

prathamahi ati anuråga bhavåni, råmacarita sara kahesi bakhåni |

puni nårada kara moha apårå, kahesi bahuri råvana avatårå ||4||

prabhu avatåra kathå puni gåi, taba sisu carita kahesi mana låi ||5||

Garuda Wants to Hear the Tale of Lord Rama

Listen, dear! The objective for which I had ventured has already been fully accomplished, the instant I arrived here. And then I have also enjoyed the benefit of seeing you. At the very sight of your supremely pure hermitage, my infatuation, doubt and several sorts of misconceptions have been dispelled. Now, O dear! Narrate to me with reverence the story of Lord Rama, which makes us extremely pure, is forever delightful and a cure for all sufferings. This is precisely what I beg of you, over and over again.

Bhusundi Speaks of sage Narada's Infatuation

As soon as Bhusundi heard Garuda's, humble, simple, beautiful, loving, delightful and extremely pious request, a supreme joy suffused his soul and he began recounting the tale of Lord Raghunath's virtues. O Bhavani! With absolute loving devotion, he initially described the dramatic composition of lake of Lord Råma's exploits. Next he spoke of Narada's absolute infatuation and then of Ravana's manifestation. Soon after he gave an account of the Lord's incarnation and then with great interest recounted the sports of Lord Rama as a child.

Doha:

bålacarita kahi bibidhi bidhi mana maha° parama uchåha |

risi ågavana kahesi puni sriraghubira bibåha ||64||

Kak Bhusundi Narrates The Sports of Child Rama

After narrating the various childlike sports of the Lord, with great enthusiasm he told of sage Vishwamitr's arrival in Ayodhya and then spoke of Lord Rama's wedding.

61st & 62nd Dohas

Chaupai:

tehi mama pada sådara siru nåvå, puni samdeha sunava |

suni tå kari binat mrdu båni, prema sahita mai kaheu° bhavåni ||1||

milehu garuRa måraga maha° mohi, kavana bhå° ti samujhåvau° tohi |

tabahi hoi saba samsaya bhamgå, jaba bahu kåla karia satasamgå ||2||

sunia taha hari kathå suhåi, nånå bhå°ti muninha jo gai |

jehi mahu° ådi madhya avasånå, prabhu pratipådya råma bhagavånå ||3||

nita hari kathå hota jaha° bhåi, pathavau° tahå° sunahu tumha jåi |

jåihi sunata sakala samdehå, råma carana hoihi ati nehå ||4||

Lord Shiva Talks of Garuda's Delusion to Parvati

Garuda reverently bowed his head at my feet and then told his doubt to me. O Bhavani! On hearing his entreaty and tender voice I lovingly explained to him. O Garuda! You have met me on the way so how can I make you grasp the matter? Doubts are completely dispelled only when one enjoys the company of saints for a long time, and listens to the story of Lord Hari there, which has been narrated by sages in a number of ways.

The Tale of Lord Rama is Narrated Everyday

The sole Lord who is detailed at the beginning, the middle and the end, is Lord Råma. O brother! I shall send you to a place where the tale of Lord Hari is recited everyday.Go and listen. As soon as you hear it, all your doubts will disappear and you will have immense love for Lord Rama's feet.

Doha:

binu satasamga na hari kathå tehi binu moha na bhåga |

moha gae° binu råma pada hoi na dæRha anuråga ||61||

Saints Help us Develop Love for Lord Rama's Feet

One cannot get a chance to hear the holy sermon on Lord Hari unless one is in the company of saints. One can not get rid of moha without satsang and can not develop deep affection for Lord Rama's feet till delusion is dispelled.

Chaupai:

milahi na raghupati binu anurågå, kie° joga tapa gyana biraga |

uttara disi sumdara giri nilå, taha° raha kåkabhusumdi susilå ||1||

råma bhagati patha parama prabinå, gyåni guna grha bahu kålinå |

råma kathå so kahai niramtara, sådara sunahii bibidha bihamgabara ||2||

jåi sunahu taha° hari guna bhuri, hoihi moha janita dukha duri |

mai jaba tehi saba kahå bujhåi,caleu harasi mama pada siru nåi ||3||

tåte umå na mai samujhåvå, raghupati krpå° maramu mai påvå |

hoihi kinha kabahu°abhimånå, so khovai caha krpånidhånå ||4||

kachu tehi te puni mai nahi råkhå, samujhai khaga khagahi kai bhåså |

prabhu måyå balavamta bhavåni, jåhi na moha kavana asa gyåni ||5||

Nilagiri, the Blue Mountain

Without love, Lord Raghunath cannot be found even if one practices yoga (mind-control), tapa or austere penance, gyana or spiritual wisdom and vairagya or renunciation. Therefore you must go (for satsang where) there is a beautiful blue mountain (Nilagiri) In the north.

Kakbhusundi Lives in the Nilagiri

Here the supremely good natured Kakbhusundi lives. He is expert in the path of Lord Rama's bhakti or religious devotion, is spiritually enlightened, is an abode of good qualities and ages old. Constantly he recites Lord Råma's tale which is reverently heard by varied species of noble birds. Go there and hear the multitude of Lord Hari's virtues. Your grief arising from moha or infatuation will vanish.

The Lord's Maya is Very Powerful

When I thus explained everything to him, Garuda bowed his head at my feet and left joyously. O Uma! I did not convince (dispel his doubts) him myself because I had come to know of his secret (delusion) by the grace of Lord Rama. He must have been arrogant at some point of time which the All-merciful Lord Rama certainly wanted to cure him of. And then I did not keep him with me for another reason that birds can well understand the language of birds alone. O Bhavani! The Lord's Maya or illusory power is very strong and who is so wise that he can not be deluded by it?

Doha:

gyåni bhagata siromani tribhuvanapati kara jåna |

tåhi moha måyå nara påva° ra karahi gumåna ||62(A)||

Garuda, the Mount of Shri Vishnu-Lakshmi

Even Garuda, the very precious jewel of devotees and enlightened souls, and the mount of Lord Vishnu (the ruler of the three spheres), was deluded by Måyå. Still it is so stupid that inferior humans are proud of not being ensnared by moha or delusion.

siva biramci kahu° mohai ko hai bapurå åna |

asa jiya° jåni bhajahi muni måyå pati bhagavåna ||62(B)||

Lord Vishnu's Illusory Power Deludes Even Brahma & Shiva

The Lord's Maya misleads even Shiva and Brahma then what standing does any poor living being have? Bearing this in mind, the munis or sages lovingly worship the divine Lord of Måyå.

59th & 60th Dohas of Uttar Kand

Chaupai:

nånå bhå°ti manahi samujhåvå,pragata na gyåna hrdaya° bhrama chåvå |

kheda khinna mana tarka baRhåi, bhayau mohabasa tumharihi nåi ||1||

byåkula gayau devarisi påhi°, kahesi jo samsaya nija mana måhi° |

suni nåradahi lågi ati dåyå, sunu khaga prabala råma kai måyå ||2||

jo gyåninha kara cita apaharai, bariåi° bimoha mana karai |

jehi bahu båra nacåvå mohi, soi byåpi bihamgapati tohi ||3||

mahåmoha upajå ura tore°, mitihi na begi kahe° khaga more° |

caturånana pahii jåhu khageså, soi karehu jehi hoi nideså ||4||

Garuda is Deluded by Lord Vishnu's Maya or Power of Illusion

Garuda tried to reassure himself in many ways but wisdom (understanding of the identity of the self with the ultimate brahman ) did not dawn on him. Confusion burdened his soul all the more. Torn by grief (borne out of doubt) and increased mental questionings, he was seized by delusion just like you. Perplexed he approached the divine sage Nårada and informed him of the doubt weighing upon his mind. On hearing his plight, Nårada was moved by great compassion.

Narada Says Brahma will Free Garuda from Vishnu's Maya

He said, Listen, O Garuda! Lord Rama's Maya ( power of illusion) is very powerful which quite robs wise men of sensibility and clouds their minds with moha or absolute infatuation. O Lord of the race of birds! The same Maya which has made Me dance to its tune, many a time, has pervaded you, O Garuda! A blinding infatuation has arisen your heart and it will not be instantly wiped out by my explaining things to you. Therefore, O Pakshiraj! Head towards Brahmå (the Creator), and do whatever He asks you to do.

Doha:

asa kahi cale devarisi karata råma guna gåna |

hari måyå bala baranata puni puni parama sujåna ||59||

Narada Singing the Glories of Lord Rama

Saying these words, Narada the most enlightened divine sage went his way, singing the glories of Lord Råma and repeatedly recalling the strength of Lord Hari's power of illusion.

Chaupai:

taba khagapati biramci pahi gayau, nija samdeha sunåvata bhayau |

suni biramci råmahi siru nåvå, samujhi pratåpa prema ati chåvå ||1||

mana mahu° karai bicåra bidhåtå, måyå basa kabi kobida gyåtå |

hari måyå kara amiti prabhåvå, bipula båra jehi mohi nacåvå ||2||

aga jagamaya jaga mama uparåjå, nahi åcaraja moha khagaråjå |

taba bole bidhi girå suhå, jåna mahesa råma prabhutåi ||3||

bainateya samkara pahi jåhu, tåta anata puchahu jani kåhu |

taha°hoihi tava samsaya håni,caleu bihamga sunata bidhi båni ||4||

Garuda Goes to Brahma, the Creator

That is when Garuda, Lord of the race of birds, went to the Creator and revealed his doubt to him. On hearing him out, Brahma bowed his head to Lord Råma and was overwhelmed by love on understanding His power. The Creator mused in his mind that seers, sages as well as the learned are all in the clutches of Maya. The might of Lord Hari's Maya (illusory power) is boundless which has made even me dance to its tune, a number of times. The entire animate and inanimate world has been created by me and when I become a puppet and dance accordingly, then it is not surprising that Pakshiraja Garuda has been deluded by it.

Lord Mahadeva is Well Aware of Rama's Glory

Thereupon Brahma spoke beautifully that Lord Mahadeva very well knows of Lord Rama's glory. O Garuda! You go to Lord Shiva. Shankara will resolve your doubts and thus do not ask anyone any question elsewhere. O dear child! On hearing Brahma's advice, instantly the bird flew away.

Doha:

paramåtura bihamgapati åyau taba mo påsa |

jåta raheu°kubera grha rahihu umå kailåsa ||60||

Shiva & Paravati on Mount Kailash

Soon after Pakshiraja Garuda came to me in eager haste O Uma! I was going to Kubera's residence, at that point of time, while you were on Mount Kailåsa.

57th & 58th Dohas of Uttar Kand

Chaupai:

tehiÚ giri rucira basai khaga soi, tåsu nasa kapamta na hoi |

måyå krta guna dosa anekå, moha manoja adi abibeka ||1||

rahe byåpi samasta jaga måhi°, tehi giri nikata kabahu° nahii jåhi° |

taha° basi harihi bhajai jimi kågå, so sunu umå sahita anurågå ||2||

pipara taru tara dhyåna so dharai, jåpa jagya påkari tara karai |

å° ba chå° ha kara månasa pujå, taji hari bhajanu kåju nahi dujå ||3||

bara tara kaha hari kathå prasamgå, åvahi sunahi aneka bihamga |

råma carita bicitra bidhi nånå, prema sahita kara sådara gånå ||4||

sunahi sakala mati bimala marålå, basahi niramtara je tehi tålå |

jaba mai jåi so kautuka dekhå, ura upaja anamda bisesa ||5||

Shiva Tells Uma how Kakbhushundi Worships Lord Hari

The same bird (Kakabhusundi) dwells on that same splendid mountain. He is not destroyed even at the end of a kalpa (which measures the duration of the world). The phenomena of good and evil, infatuation, lust and other forms of ignorance created by Maya (the illusory power of the Supreme Spirit) which overcasts the entire universe,can never dare to even venture near that mountain. O Uma! Lovingly listen to the manner in which the crow spends his days, worshipping Lord Hari, as he resides there.

Kakbhusundi Prays to Lord Vishnu Under a Mango Tree

Under the peepul tree he meditates; he performs yagnas (sacrifices) and does japa (incantations) under the plaksha; he prays to the Lord in the mind under shade of the mango tree. He has no other work other than doing bhajan of Lord Hari. Under the banyan tree, he narrates episodes from the tale of Lord Hari. Several birds flock there to hear the story. With loving reverence he sings of the various wonderful exploits of Lord Rama (in the Manasa or holy lake of the acts of Rama). The swans having a pure mind, who forever dwell in that lake, listen to the story. When I arrived there and saw the spectacle, an exceptional joy invaded my heart.

Doha:

taba kachu kåla maråla tanu dhari taha° kinha nivåsa |

sådara suni raghupati guna puni åyau° kailåsa ||57||

Shiva Assumes the Form of a Swan

Then, acquiring the form of a swan, I dwelt there for some time. And, after reverently listening to the glories of Lord Raghunath, returned to Mount Kailash.

Chaupai:

girijå kaheu°so saba itihåså, mai jehi samaya gayau° khaga påså |

aba so kathå sunahu jehi hetu, gayau kåga pahi khaga kula ketu ||1||

jaba raghunåtha kinhi rana kriRå, samujhata carita hoti mohi briRå |

imdrajita kara åpu ba° dhåyo, taba nårada muni garuRa pathåyo ||2||

bamdhana kåti gayo uragådå, upajå hrdaya° pracamda bisådå |

prabhu bamdhana samujhata bahubhå°ti, karata bicåra uraga åråti ||3||

byåpaka brahma biraja bågiså, måyå moha påra paramiså |

so avatåra suneu° jaga måhi°, dekheu° so prabhåva kachu nåhi° ||4||

Lord Rama Battling Meghnada

Girija, I have narrated the whole episode of when I visited Kakabhusundi. Now listen to the narration as to why Garuda (the glory of the loka of birds) went to the crow. When the Lord of the Raghus doing the lila or divine play of a battle (with Meghanad, the son of Ravana),whose very thought fills me with shame, allowed Himself to be bound at the hands of Meghanada, sage Nårada sent Garuda.

Garuda Ponders over Lord Rama's Incarnation

When Garuda (the devourer of serpents) cut the bonds and departed, a terrible dejection burdened his soul. Recalling the Lord's bondage, the enemy of the serpents, pondered over the incident in many ways. I have heard that the all-pervasive, Brahma who is the impersonal Ultimate Being, the Lord of speech, who is beyond maya (the illusory world) and moha (delusion as to the suppose reality of the world) has incarnated in this material world. But I saw none of that Incarnation's divine power.

Doha:

bhava bamdhana te chutahi nara japi jå kara nåma |

kharba nisåcara bå°dheu någapåsa soi råma ||58||

Garuda Cutting the Nagapasha Binding Rama & Lakshmana

By chanting the Name of Råma, man is freed from the bonds of worldly existence. The very same Rama was tied down by a worthless demon's (Meghanada) nagapasha or serpent arrows.

55th & 56th Dohas of Uttar Kand

Chaupai:

yaha prabhu carita pavitra suhåvå, kahahu krpåla kåga kaha° pava |

tumha kehi bhå° ti sunå madanåri, kahahu mohi ati kautuka bhåri ||1||

garuRa mahågyåni guna råsi, hari sevaka ati nikata nivåsi |

tehi kehi hetu kåga sana jåi, suni kathå muni nikara bihåi ||2||

kahahu kavana bidhi bhå sambådå, dou haribhagata kåga uragådå |

gauri girå suni sarala suhåi, bole siva sådara sukha påi ||3||

dhanya sati påvana mati tori, raghupati carana priti nahi thori |

sunahu parama punita itihåså, jo suni sakala loka bhrama nåså ||4||

upajai råma carana bisvåså, bhava nidhi tara nara binahi prayåså ||5||

Garuda, Lord Hari's Mount

O merciful Lord! Tell me from where did the crow get this sacred and beautiful story? And O Destroyer of Cupid! Do let me know how You got to hear it. I am full of intense curiosity. In any case Garuda is highly enlightened, an embodiment of virtues; a servitor of Lord Hari and (being His mount) stays really close to Him. Leaving a multitude of sages, why did He go to a crow for hearing Lord Råma's story? Do let me know how the conversation proceeded between the crow and Garuda (the devourer of serpents), both of whom are bhaktas of Lord Hari.

Lord Shiva is Delighted to Hear Parvati's Words

Lord Shiva was joyous to hear the simple and charming speech of Parvati and replied respectfully. O Sati! You are truly blessed; Your wisdom is very holy. And You possess not a little (but immense) love for the feet of Lord Raghunath. Now, listen to a most sacred, historical story, which ends the delusion of the entire universe, when heard. It gives rise to faith in Lord Rama's feet and man crosses over the ocean of worldly existence without any effort.

Doha:

aisia prasna bihamgapati kinhi kåga sana jai |

so saba sådara kahihau° sunahu umå mana lai ||55||

Garuda Asks Kakbhusundi about Lord Rama

Garuda, the king of the birds, also went and asked the crow such questions. O Uma! I will tell you all that ensued with reverence, you just listen attentively.

Chaupai:

mai jimi kathå suni bhava mocani, so prasamga sunu sumukhi sulocani |

prathama daccha grha tava avatårå, sati nåma taba rahå tumhårå ||1||

daccha jagya tava bhå apamånå, tumha ati krodha taje taba prånå |

mama anucaranha kinha makha bhamgå, jånahu tumha so sakala prasamgå ||2||

taba ati soca bhayau mana more°, dukhi bhayau° biyoga priya tore° |

sumdara bana giri sarita taRågå, kautuka dekhata phirau° beraga ||3||

giri sumera uttara disi duri, nila saila eka sumdara bhuri |

tåsu kanakamaya sikhara suhåe, cåri cåru more mana bhåe ||4||

tinha para eka eka bitapa bisålå, bata pipara påkari rasålå |

sailopari sara sumdara sohå, mani sopåna dekhi mana mohå ||5||

Sati Gives up Her Life at Daksa's Yagna

Listen, O charming and bright-eyed One! In which manner I heard the story which releases one from the cycle of birth and death. You first incarnated in the house of Daksa and Sati was your name, then. You were insulted at Daksa's yagna or sacrifice. At that point of time, you were intensely furious and gave up your life. Soon after, My servitors wrecked the yagna. You already know of the entire episode.Thereafter, I felt very dejected at heart. My Dear! Your loss had left me inconsolable.

Carrying Sati, Lord Shiva Wanders in the Wilds

Detached, I wandered among beautiful forests, mountains, rivers and ponds seeing spectacles (sights). Much further than Mount Sumeru, in the far north, there is a most beautiful blue mountain (Nilagiri). It has lovely golden peaks out of which four charming peaks really attracted me. On each of them stood one huge tree, a banyan, a peepul, a plaksa (the Indian fig tree) and a mango.

A Beautiful Pond on Top of Nilagiri

On the top of the mountain, a beautiful pond was resplendent; seeing its jewelled steps, one was enchanted.

Doha:

sitala amala madhura jala jalaja bipula bahuramga |

kujata kala rava hamsa gana gumjata mamjula bhrmga ||56||

The Pond Abounds with Lotuses & Swans

Its water was cool, clear and sweet; many-hued lotuses bloomed abundantly in the pond. Flocks of swans murmured sweet notes and bees made a delightful buzzing sound.